Friday, April 11, 2014

Thailand Trip 10



As a final post on our time in Thailand, I would like to summarize the trip. We were privileged to visit five different missionaries and six churches. Bangkok was the southernmost and Chiang Rai the northernmost. Tak was as far west as we traveled, with an extended period in Phitsanulok in the central region and Chiang Mai/Lamphun area in the north. We checked out three language schools during our time in Thailand. Our family helped with physical work in two of the areas visited. I was able to give my testimony in a few of the churches and led devotions at the children's home in Lamphun. God has been so good to us! He provided in miraculous ways allowing us to go to the land of Thailand. All of us were very healthy during our trip, even with the wide array of foods and living conditions we encountered and the many times we traveled to different areas. So much could be said as to the friends made, as well as prayers answered, to witnessing to someone that you wanted to be able to personally talk to but couldn't, to seeing missionaries on their home turf, to not wanting to leave a land with such a great need; but to wrap it all up.... all praise be to a great, loving, prayer answering, living God!! Thank you to those of you that prayed.....Andrew, Summer, and family.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Thailand Trip 9

     We arrived safely in Phitsanulok train time! That just means on their time schedule and not ours!! No biggie, we then met the missionary here and he transported us to their home where we were welcomed by his wife and children.  We enjoyed fellowship over a home cooked meal and continued to visit on into the night!
     During our time with this family we developed an amazing bond with them! Easy to do when your in the same boat!! We went to Sunday service with them and enjoyed one another's company as they showed us the local area and it's history! One thing I especially enjoyed was the opportunity to work side by side with the missionary's wife in the kitchen and learning the ins and outs of cooking on a foreign field. Even though you may be able to get "Western" style food here, due to lack of spices and ovens in most homes, it does change the way you cook!
     The kids have been doing GREAT!! We have had no illness from food or water and have enjoyed all kinds of dishes from an outdoor kitchen to a pizza place! The kids have made friends and learned to tolerate getting their picture taken by Thai people! Thais like our light skin tones and frequently stop to stare at us as we walk by or snap a photo!
     We are enroute to the airport as we begin our journey back to the States! I am very happy to be returning home to see family and friends, but would have to be honest and say that I look forward to coming back to Thailand someday! In poverty stricken areas to wealth beyond my imagination, these people are enslaved to fear. I would love the opportunity to share with them the freedom and joy that can be found through trusting in Jesus Christ!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Thailand Trip 8

     Hello family and friends!! We have had a good week and have enjoyed the tropical temperatures! Been tracking the weather back home and glad to hear it is starting to warm up there too!
     We have been putting our hand to work here at the children's home. We have been able to learn a great deal regarding food and healing sources from the local plants & trees. One thing I admire about these people is their determination and hard work ethic. We have had the privilege to work side by side with these young men & women/ boys & girls to accomplish some improvements at the home and also regular upkeep as they are expecting to have 120 children here this next term. Never a dull moment and always something to do.
     The best part of our time here is the friendships we have made with the people! Each one of us has  grown close to the people here. It has been a tearful morning as we leave the home and head for the last leg of one journey here in Thailand. We are so very thankful for the kindness and the genuine love that has been shown to us! We are thankful for the missionary families that have been so welcoming. We have been able to view everyday life in a foreign land.
     At the present, we are on a train heading to Phitsanulok to be with another missionary and view the work that is going on there. We will then be leaving for the States on the 11th. Hope all is going well! Please pray for us as we travel back next week! Look forward to seeing you all & share with you about our adventures here! Love to all!!      ~Summer